Although a shortage of flu vaccine is not expected this year, there is a delay in delivery of the vaccine, which may holdup flu vaccination clinics this fall, say officials at the __________ County Health Department.

Manufacturers of flu vaccine have encountered production problems resulting in delays in flu vaccine shipments. Federal public health officials have advised state and local health departments as well as private health care providers that as vaccine becomes available, efforts should focus first on vaccinating persons over age 65, the chronically ill who are at high risk of complications associated with influenza, and health care workers.

“As we get our flu vaccine, we will provide it first to these high risk persons,” said __________, health department administrator. “As the supply increases, we will make it available to the healthy population.”

__________ said getting a flu shot later in the season should still protect most people. “There are always a lot of flu-like illnesses floating around but ‘real flu’ doesn’t usually hit in Oklahoma until late December and early January,” __________ said. It takes about two weeks for the flu vaccine to become effective.

The __________ County Health Department also recommends the pneumococcal vaccine for persons who are 65 years of age or older or persons who have heart problems, lung problems or diabetes. “We do have the pneumococcal vaccine at the health department and encourage persons who fall into these categories to get this shot now,” urged __________. “The pneumococcal vaccine protects against pneumococcal pneumonia, which is the most common type of pneumonia resulting in hospitalizations.”